Federal Agencies

Washington – All passengers in large commercial trucks will be required to wear seat belts whenever the vehicles take part in interstate commerce, according to a final rule published June 7 by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Arlington, VA – The Mine Safety and Health Administration has issued a proposed rule intended to improve the quality of workplace examinations in metal and non-metal mines.

Washington – NIOSH’s Respiratory Health Division is seeking comments from stakeholders on ways to improve workers’ respiratory health.

Washington – OSHA has launched its annual summertime campaign intended to inform employers and employees about the dangers of working in hot weather.

Arlington, VA – In the wake of two deaths at an abandoned mine in Texas, the Mine Safety and Health Administration has issued a safety alert asking mine operators to evaluate hazards at active mines, make efforts to prevent trespassing and help educate the public on the dangers of exploring mines.

Washington – Critics of OSHA’s recently released recordkeeping rule, which would make worker injury and illness data public, voiced their concerns during a May 25 hearing convened by the House Workforce Protections Subcommittee.

Washington – The Chemical Safety Board hinders transparency when it fails to post public meeting transcripts and does not place transcripts in easily accessible locations, according to an audit conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Inspector General.

Labor and industry groups that have expressed support for OSHA’s final rule on silica are among those challenging the rule in court.

In an exclusive interview with Safety+Health, OSHA Deputy Assistant Secretary Jordan Barab discusses what he says are myths regarding the agency’s enforcement efforts and compliance assistance resources.

Washington – OSHA’s final rule on preventing slips, trips and falls is scheduled for publication in August, according to the spring regulatory agenda released May 18.